“Promises of Starlight,” episode 34

Written by Thea Washington

None of the characters in “Promises of Starlight” represent any person living or dead.

The character “Rock Star”/”Angel” is based on Adam Lambert. The author does not in any way wish to disturb or predict Mr. Lambert’s life through the characters in this story.

All videos are to be enjoyed through their link to YouTube. They are not to be downloaded. No claims are made on the videos by the author.

Chapter 34 – CONFRONTATIONS

Twin got there in record time. She came in the house and immediately called for Niecy.

When the little girl came down the stairs and saw Mommie, both were so relieved that they just held on to each other. Niecy had heard enough to know what was going on. Mommie sent her over to the guest house. They sent a Security guard with her, just in case.

“Somebody tell me something,” said Twin. Lover sat her down and told her what they knew, letting her read the note. Twin was horrified, not only for the kids but thinking about what it would have been like if Niecy had gone with them. She turned on Partner.

“WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING?” she screamed. “NO. WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU DOING WHILE THOSE KIDS WERE BEING TAKEN?” As usual Twin was right on it.

Partner had thought the worst was over until Twin’d gotten there.

“I don’t know,” he said. “The men was beating me up and then one was running after them. I told them to run.”

“You told them to run. YOU TOLD THEM TO RUN? WHERE THE HELL WERE THEY SUPPOSED TO GO? YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE LOOKING OUT FOR THEM. AND ALL YOU COULD DO WAS TELL THEM ‘TO RUN’?” Twin was winding up just like Lover could do.

Partner had nothing else he could say. He held out his hands pitifully. “I know,” he said. “It’s all my fault. I know that.”

“YOU DAMN WELL SHO’ SHOULD KNOW DAT, YA PIECE A SHIT. DIS’ MAH FAMLY YOU FUCKING WIT. AH SHOULD BEAT YO’ TRIFLIN’ ASS RIGHTCHERE. THEN YOU’LL KNOW WHAT UH REAL BEATIN’ BE FEELIN’ LIKE.” She was heading for Partner, her intent in her eyes. Lover knew it was time to jump in. Sober, Twin only went “street” like that when she was really, really mad.

Right now Partner was the only source of information they had. Whether or not they wanted to they had to keep him safe. Lover stood between Twin and Partner and blocked her. Had he let her go she would have done some real damage, just like she’d threatened to do.

“OK, OK, let’s everybody calm down here. We’ve got some serious talking to do.” He took a deep breath. “Look, the first thing we have to do is keep those children safe.”

“So, we agree then. We pay the money.”

Twin had calmed down but not by much. “FUCK NO,” she yelled. That out, she backed down. “Look, I know these yo’ babies and they’re my niece and nephew. I even know y’all can afford it. But the thought of some scumbag getting $25 million just, just … I don’t know. Reminds me …” She stopped to take a breath, too. “Maybe I’m just thinking about that fool who tried to blackmail y’all before, that Reporter? And maybe I’d feel different if they’d grabbed my girl, too.” It was her turn to say it. “I don’t know,” she said, shaking her head back and forth. “I don’t know.”

Obviously Lover was taking the lead in the conversation. “Babe,” he asked the Rock Star. “You’re their father, too. What do you think?”

“I’m not sure what to think,” he said. “I’m just worried about the kids. And like Twin says, we can afford it.”

“That’s not the point,” said Exec. “Like you said, the priority has to be keeping those children safe.”

Exec was Lover’s friend from way back, almost his lover back in graduate school. The two men understood each other.

“I bet you’d have more of an opinion if you had kids,” said Twin. She hesitated before saying it. “Why don’t we just call the police and let them handle it?”

The Rock Star stood up from where he’d been sitting. “You read that note. It said not to call the police. It said they’re watching us.” (If only they’d known how closely they were being watched. Partner was watching, and watching closely.) He began to pace the floor. The Rock Star always thought more clearly when he was moving.

“Here’s my thing. I wanna pay the money. I want our kids back. But I want proof of life first. I’m not paying a goddamn cent if the kids … “He couldn’t say it. The thought was too horrible. It was like, if he said it, it could come true. Or already might be true.

Lover went to him and wrapped him in his arms, just like they’d done so many times, so many times in love and light. Yes, there’d been times in their lives when things hadn’t been so loving, but they’d made it through. They’d make it through this. Which made them both think: Where is Starlight?

Starlight and Indio were watching, too. “Can’t I do anything?” she asked her mentor and friend. “Just something to let them know that I’m with them, that I haven’t abandoned them? And what about the kids? Just a little something?”

Indio sighed. How many times had she begged like this? How many times had it had to sense “No”? Just as it was about to sense it again, Indio sensed another Spirit within its own. It turned to Starlight.

“You may do one thing only,” he sensed to her. “But only one thing. You must choose. Remember, the power is in the choice.” Indio paused as the Universe listened. “Choose well.”

Starlight was so grateful, yet again. She knew what had happened. The One Forever Present had intervened on her behalf. Now it was up to her.

In the instant she decided. It wouldn’t solve the problem but it would remind Lover and Angel that the problem would be solved.

Tomorrow in “Promises of Starlight”: A decision is made and the kids are seen